The Lovereading4Kids comment

January 2017 Book of the Month | A book to make you flinch! Virulent diseases and natural disasters are sweeping the world, the church and a private investigator seek the truth behind the reports of two pregnant virgins, can they possibly be linked? Cradle and All is a reimagined telling of a previous James Patterson novel Virgin which was written in 1980. The story touches various lives, including investigator Anne who speaks in the first person. Anne’s tale centres the story, I felt a connection to her, which made the horrifying events feel as though they were within touching distance. The short chapters made my mind flicker, and question my thoughts and feelings. Spinning from good to evil, hope to despair, Cradle and All is an action packed tale, which moves quickly and creates a tense atmosphere, ensuring a thrilling read. ~ Liz Robinson

Synopsis

Cradle and All by James Patterson

In Boston, a young woman finds herself pregnant - even though she is still a virgin.

In Ireland, another young woman discovers she is in the same impossible condition. And in cities all around the world, medical authorities are overwhelmed by epidemics, droughts, famines, floods and worse. It all feels like a sign that something awful is coming.

Anne Fitzgerald, a former nun turned private investigator, is hired by the Archdiocese of Boston to investigate the immaculate conceptions. Even as she comes to care about and trust the young women, she realises that both are in great danger. Terrifying forces of light and darkness are gathering. Stepping into uncharted territory where the unknown is just the beginning, Anne must discover the truth - to save the young women, to save herself and to protect the future of all mankind.

The worldwide bestseller, updated for young adults.

Reviews

Praise for James Patterson;

'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent – which is what Jim has, in spades.' - Lee Child

'It’s no mystery why James Patterson is the world’s most popular thriller writer ...Simply put: nobody does it better.' - Jeffery Deaver

'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' - Ian Rankin

About the Author

James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest selling writers of all time. He is the author of some of the bestselling series of the past decade: the Women's Murder Club, the Alex Cross novels and Maximum Ride, and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand alone thrillers. He has won an Edgar award, the mystery world's highest honour. He lives in Florida with his wife and son, seen pictured here.

Best known for his thrillers he also writes for children and is passionate about encouraging children to develop a love of reading. In 2014 he donated £250,000 to help independent bookshops with a children’s section in the UK. Rafe from the Middle School series also features on the first ever children’s ‘Books are my Bag’ rucksack.

If you are a teacher CLICK HERE to download a free Middle School resource to help get kids reading.

James Patterson's top tips to get your kids - even the most reluctant ones - reading!

* Find books your kids love.

Talk with your child about their interests. Kids read more if they read what they like. E-reader, paperbacks, hard covers, comic books are all fine. Reading is the goal!

* Get a Library Card in your child's name.

Visit your library…the resources they have for the summer are usually terrific. And the Children's Librarian will usually bend over backwards to help your child find fun stuff to read.

* "Buddy Read" together.

Model reading with your child. Read the same books together, and talk about them.

* Create a Reading Club with friends.

It's always more fun if you can share the experience.

* Reward progress.

Set goals with your child, and track their achievements. Give them little "awards" for progress.

* Travel with your books wherever you go.

Take them to the beach, in the car, on vacations, and to the pool. Make the "in between" moments count. Put books everywhere your kids might be bored and want to turn on the TV, such as the breakfast table, the bedside table—wherever.

* Remember: it's up to you to make it fun.

Reading is fun! If it isn't, keep at it till they find books they can't put down. Then reward yourself, Mom and Dad, because you have just given your child the best present you could ever have imagined: the gift of reading—for life.